Prohibit

Definition

Prohibit generally means to formally forbid something by law, rule, or other authoritative command.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /proʊˈhɪbɪt/
• Respelling: pro-HIB-it (with "pro" as in "pro," "HIB" as in "hibiscus," and "it" as in "it")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈhɪbɪt/
• Respelling: pruh-HIB-it (with "pruh" as a less emphasized "pro," "HIB" as in "hibiscus," and "it" as in "it")

In both dialects, "prohibit" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "HIB." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "HIB" part.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "prohibitus", past participle of "prohibēre", meaning "to keep away, keep off, prevent". The word has been in use since the 15th century.

Derivatives

• Prohibition
• Prohibitive
• Prohibitory
• Prohibiter (less common)
• Unprohibited

Synonyms

• Ban
• Forbid
• Restrict

Antonyms

• Allow
• Permit
• Approve

Usage

The word "prohibit" is commonly used in legal and official contexts to indicate the act of making certain activities or behaviors illegal or unacceptable.

Related Terms

• Inhibition
• Constraint
• Forbidden
• Disallowed

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Formally Forbid: To formally disallow or prevent an activity or behavior by law, rule, or other authority.
• Example: Smoking is prohibited in this building.

• Prevent: To make impossible; to shut out.
• Example: The dense fog prohibited any chance of a clear view.